Perineal hernia repair in the dog by transposition of the internal obturator muscle

Summary

A modified technique for transposition of the internal obturator muscle was used to repair perineal hernias in 100 dogs. Complications and long‐term results are described. The most important complications were wound infection (45%), faecal incontinence (15%), and perineal fistula (7%). These complications often occurred in combination. The recurrence rate of perineal hernia was 5%.

Nine of the 15 patients with faecal incontinence had paresis of the external anal sphincter or faecal incontinence before surgery. We suggest that in numerous patients, faecal incontinence is a complication of the condition rather than a complication of treatment. The owner's assessment of the surgical result was good in 71% and moderate in 18% of the cases.